The number of sexting offences involving under 18s reported to Devon and Cornwall Police has tripled in two years.

Sexting is the term used for the sending or receiving of sexual, naked or semi-naked images or videos which can be taken by a young person of themselves (i.e. a selfie), or by others.

There were 440 reports received in the 12 months to October 2017, and the force has today launched a campaign to highlight the dangers.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Sexting in under 18s is an increasing issue which is reflected nationally, not just in Devon and Cornwall.

"However, it is largely unreported and therefore the true number of sexting incidents is unknown. Despite this, it is still reassuring to know that the majority of young people are not doing it.

"The increase in figures has highlighted why it is important to educate young people about the potential consequences of sexting and encourage parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about it."

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Messages will go out to parents today (12 February 2018) on Facebook and Twitter, and to young people on Instagram and Snapchat.

"Printed materials will also be utilised to extend the reach of the safety messages outside of the digital world. This builds on the work that officers and PCSOs have already been doing with schools and youth groups.

Superintendent Head of Prevention Department, Matt Lawler, from Devon & Cornwall and Dorset Police said: “Education and safeguarding is at the forefront of all we do with young people as a police force. We want to re-affirm to young people and parents that we are here to help when you need us.

“Technology has become ever more advanced and available. This is why our sexting campaign is of such importance. By educating young people about the law around sexting and the potential consequences of sending these types of images, we can help them to avoid making a decision they later regret.

“Devon & Cornwall Police’s primary concern is to avoid criminalising young people where it is not appropriate and we hope that by educating young people about Sexting we can avoid this altogether.

“Our main message to young people is this: when you press send, you lose control of that image – where it ends up on the internet and who sees it – you’re not just breaking the law.”

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Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly said, “Sexting is a growing concern as most young people now have, or have access to, a mobile device.

"It is important that young people understand the law surrounding sexting and the consequences it can have.

"As a parent myself, I feel it is also vital that parents and guardians have an understanding of the topic and are provided with the correct tools and information to proactively talk to their children about the issue.

"As an office we are committed to working with young people and engaging with them around such issues.”

Police advice for parents concerned about their children 'sexting'

Talk to your children about sexting, the law and the potential dangers of sexting:

9/10 selfies end up somewhere else on the internet - when you press send, you lose control

It’s illegal to take, send or receive ‘sexts’ of anyone under 18, including selfies!

Not all teenagers are doing it, even if that’s what they tell their friends

If they’ve done it and it’s gone wrong, speak to an adult they trust

If it has happened:

Stay calm and support your child

Take the device, don’t screenshot, don’t forward on

Speak to your child’s school, they have the power to help

Remember: it is illegal, but the police will always help young people and safeguard them in the first instance

Where and how to seek help:

Parents and carers can get more information, with links to help and support, from Devon & Cornwall Police by visiting dc.police.uk/advice/parenting

Young people can get more information, with links to help and support, from Devon & Cornwall Police by visiting dc.police.uk/youth/sexting

Further information and advice for professionals can also be found at dcdhub.org/sexting or by signing up to our newsletter

NSPCC Advice for parents concerned about their children 'sexting'

Sexting is when someone shares sexual, naked or semi-naked images or videos of themselves or others, or sends sexually explicit messages, says the NSPCC.

They can be sent using mobiles, tablets, smartphones, laptops - any device that allows you to share media and messages.

Sexting may also be called:

Trading nudes

Dirties

Pic for pic.

How to talk to your child about sexting

Every child is different, so your approach should be based on their character and your relationship with them. You could:

Outline your expectations and explain the rules of having a mobile, tablet or smartphone

Ask them what they feel is acceptable to send to people, if they’d be happy for you or a stranger or other children to see certain photos. If the answer is 'no', explain that the image, video or message is probably not appropriate to send

Make sure they're comfortable saying no, that they know their body is private and being asked to share explicit images is inappropriate

Explain to them about the importance of trust and consent in a healthy relationship. Tell them that it’s not ok for someone to make them feel uncomfortable, to pressure them into doing things that they don’t want to do, or to show them things that they’re unhappy about. Let them know that they can speak to you if this ever happens

Explain the risks of sexting

Tell them what can happen when things go wrong. Don't accuse them of sexting, but do explain the dangers and legal issues

You may find it easier to use real-life examples, such as television programmes or news stories, to help you explain the risks

Ask them if they’d want something private shown to the world. Talk about the Granny rule - would you want your Granny to see the image you’re sharing?

Talk about whether a person who asks for an image from you might also be asking other people for images

If children are sending images to people they trust, they may not think there's much risk involved. Use examples of when friends or partners have had a falling-out and what might happen to the images if this happens

Make it clear you'll be supportive and understanding

Make sure they know that you’re always there for support if they feel pressured by anyone

Explain that they can come to you if someone asks to send them a nude picture or if they receive an explicit message

Let them know that you won’t be angry with them but just want to make sure they’re safe and happy.